AWM2 — AWM2 TASK 1: ADVOCATING FOR POLICY CHANGE TO IMPROVE HEALTH AWM2 — AWM2 TASK 1: ADVOCATING FOR POLICY CHANGE TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES IN THE COMMUNITY College of Health Professions, Western Governors University D025: Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles & Interpersonal Practice OUTCOMES IN THE COMMUNITY

Advocacy is an essential role of advanced practice nurses (APNs), both in the clinical setting and in the community. However, there are differences in how APNs advocate for at-risk populations in the community versus individual patients in the clinical practice setting. One of the differences between advocacy for a patient versus an at-risk population is the scope of influence. When advocating for an individual patient, the APN's focus is on the immediate health needs of the patient. The APN works closely with the patient, their family, and the healthcare team to ensure that the patient receives the necessary care and treatment to achieve the best possible health outcomes. In contrast, when advocating for an at-risk population, the APN's focus is on improving the health outcomes of the entire community or population. This may involve working with a variety of stakeholders, such as policymakers, community organizations, and healthcare providers, to develop and implement policies and programs that address the social determinants of health and improve health equity for the entire population. Another difference is the level of collaboration and coordination needed. When advocating for a patient, the APN typically works closely with the patient and their family, as well as other members of the healthcare team, to ensure that the patient receives high-quality, patient-centered care. In contrast, when advocating for an at-risk population, the APN needs to collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders and organizations, such as community groups, policymakers, and healthcare providers, to address the social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities in the community. According to a study by Kalisch and colleagues APNs in community settings face unique challenges in advocating for at-risk populations. These challenges include navigating complex healthcare systems, limited resources, and competing priorities. In contrast, APNs in the clinical setting may face challenges related to time constraints, communication barriers, and conflicting